STASHED STUDIOS

During lockdown I discovered the world of PDF sewing patterns. There is a huge, international community of home sewers on Instagram and TikTok. They showcase the clothes they made. Share how they adapted the patterns to improve the shape and design. Give each other tips on fabric selections and construction techniques. And some of them start designing and selling their own PDF patterns. It was fun, and low stakes - and I wanted in.

In 2023, I had a sewing pattern published in TAUKO,  a Helsinki-based independent sewing magazine with a global readership and a genuine editorial curation process. The pattern, SHORELINE, was designed and digitally drafted entirely from scratch. I taught myself digital pattern cutting to make it happen.

Not satisfied with a pattern published in a magazine, I explored what it would look like to build a creative business around it. So I developed stashed studios. The idea was to not just sell digital sewing patterns, but offer design insights to go with it. How different fabrics would affect the look. How small changes could affect the look and feel of it. I have an encyclopedic knowledge of fashion design, and I just loved the idea of that being useful to someone on the other side of the world who wanted to have a go at making their own clothes

I developed a simple pattern, instructions to go with it and a sketchbook to get their creativity going. There was a logo system. Brand guidelines (for a team of one). I even started a Substack.

Stashed studio never went live. 

But I don’t think all projects need to exist in the world to be relevant to your experience.

It’s a reminder that sometimes skills you develop out of curiosity can be the most fun.